22nd AMXS Airman earns 2014 Specialized Mission Award

  • Published
  • By Airman Jenna K. Caldwell
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  A 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airman received the 2014 Airlift/Tanker Association Specialized Mission Award.

"You have to know what to do in every type of situation and be very flexible," said Staff Sgt. Anthony Calderone flying crew chief, "Everyone out on the flightline gives their all every day to make the mission happen and deserves recognition."  

The award recognizes an exceptional Airman for extraordinarily significant performance of duties in support of an aerial air mobility mission during crises, contingencies, or humanitarian airlift.

Calderone exhibited this high performance during a deployment to Afghanistan.

Calderone achieved significant accomplishments by setting command benchmarks of readying 11 tankers in eight hours. He synced the efforts of four shops with 10 Airmen and completed the task two days ahead of schedule. He identified faulty landing gear truck and coordinated sheet metal repairs that saved the Air Mobility Command $700,000 in replacement costs.

"He has consistently had outstanding proficiency and duty performance," said retired Lt. Col. Christine Peyton, former 22nd AMXS commander in his award package. "He's thwarted in flight pressurization loss by repairing two cracked outflow valves and avoided emergency diversion."

Flying crew chiefs travel with aircrew to keep aircraft mission-ready. They are also tasked to aid with other operations and exercises such as cargo transportation and aerial medical evacuations.

Calderone attributed much of his success to the support of his wife, coworkers and superiors who have mentored and encouraged him.

"I would also like to thank Master Sgt. Christopher Brittingham, who, from my first day at McConnell taught me what he knew and pushed me to be the best I could be," said Calderone.